Diphtheria/Tetanus Toxoids; Pertussis Vaccine, DTP injection

What is this medicine?

DIPHTHERIA and TETANUS TOXOIDS; PERTUSSIS VACCINE (dif THEER ee uh and TET n us TOK soids; per TUS iss VAK seen) is used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this vaccine in children. While the DTP vaccine may be given to children ages 6 weeks to 7 years and the Tdap vaccine may be given to children at least 10 years old, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• fever of 103 degrees F or more

• flu-like symptoms

• inconsolable crying

• infection

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• seizures

• swelling of arm or leg that was injected

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• fussy, irritable

• loss of appetite

• low-grade fever

• pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, or a 'knot' at site where injected

• vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

• immune globulin

• medicines that suppress your immune function like adalimumab, anakinra, infliximab

• medicines to treat cancer

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders like hemophilia

• fever or infection

• immune system problems

• neurologic disease

• seizures

• an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, thimerosal, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

See your health care provider for all shots of this vaccine as directed. To have protection from infection, you must have 3 shots of this vaccine plus boosters as needed. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious or unusual side effects after getting this vaccine.